Dinson Colliery pumps US$100m into coke projects

DINSON Colliery Company has pumped in more than US$100 million investment in Hwange as it continues to expand its operations with the construction of more coking plants on course as it stamps its authority as one of Africa’s biggest coke producers.

The coal processing concern has set its expansion targets into phases four, five and six following completion of the three other batteries, which were churning out about 36 000 tonnes per month.

The impending completion of phase four will see coke production being ramped up to 50 000 tonnes per month
In an interview following a recent media tour of the expansion project, the company’s human resources officer, Mr Tanaka Mugoti, said the exercise, which was split into phases, would take between two-three years to complete with plans to construct a power station at an advanced stage.

“We are looking into expanding phase four, five and six and hopefully with approval from Government we can build a power station as the demand for power is very high and also the batteries need more energy,” he said.

“So, we do not need Zesa hiccup hence the plan to build a power plant. We are expecting to have phase four and five in the next two or three years and as for the power station we expect it onboard in the next five years.

“We have invested over US$100 million for this project,” said Mr Mugoti.
The coal processing company, which won the exporter of the year award during the recent Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce event has set its sight on expanding its market share beyond the region.

“Our markets are South Africa, Zambia, DRC and we are planning on exploring further beyond the region as we seek to meet demand for the product,” he said.

“We also supply the local markets such as Zimasco, Afrochine and also our sister company, Dinson Iron and Steel, who are running a steel factory.
“Business is doing good for us as we have won the exporter of the year award during the ZNCC event.”

Mr Mugoti said the company was geared to contribute substantially to the US$12 billion target for the mining industry as evidenced by its expansion project that has seen it buying more coal from local mines.

“We are looking forward to this meeting (Sadc Industrialisation Week) as we anticipate to contribute immensely to the US$12 billion target as you know we are the largest coke producer and we are looking at increasing our batteries in terms of production so our contribution is through buying of more coal from the local coal mines,” he said.

“Already, we have our own mine, which is Dinson Mega situated at Hwange Colliery Number 3 where we have begun operating. Once phase four comes on board we are looking at 50 000t of coke per month and with demand, this is set to increase as we move into phase five and six.

Dinson Colliery has created employment for about 800 employees with 90 Chinese nationals assisting to ensure efficiency and production of the batteries.-chronicle